Dana Goodridge Named Inaugural Recipient of the Walter B. Jones Jr., FAIA Excellence Award for Aspiring Health Care Architects

Dana Goodridge, a fifth-year Howard University architecture student, was named an inaugural recipient of the Walter B. Jones, FAIA, Excellence Award for Aspiring Healthcare Architects.  

The Healthcare Design Conference + Expo announced the Walter B. Jones, Jr., FAIA Excellence Award for Aspiring Healthcare Architects this year in honor of Walter B. Jones, Jr., FAIA, named a mentor and trailblazer in healthcare design. 

According to the healthcare design website, the award seeks to identify talented students and aspiring minority architects to help nurture their talent and interest in becoming healthcare architects. 

Goodridge was recognized for her strong dedication to advancing healthcare architecture and promoting excellence in the field. She is passionate about healthcare design and community development, aiming to enhance well-being through thoughtful, inclusive architecture. 

It was during her space and design management internship at the National Institutes of Health that Goodridge clearly understood what would become her specialty. She recalled being advised to specialize early in her career, and healthcare architecture is the type of design that ignites her passion. 

“My goal is to create environments that promote health, inclusivity, and community. By focusing on community-based and healthcare design, I strive to make a positive impact on people’s lives and contribute to societal betterment.” 

Goodridge ultimately plans to return to Barbados to work on community projects that help develop areas with underserved populations.